A Cork couple stranded in Peru say reports that a tourist in the country has died of Covid-19 is a very worrying development.
Andrew Cotter from Mitchelstown and Marie Barry from Conna say they fear the prospect of being quarantined in a hostel in the city of Cusco for three months as Peruvian authorities clamp down on free movement in an effort to stop the spread of the virus.
Tánaiste Simon Coveney told RedFM News that efforts are underway to pick up 135 Irish citizens in the country on a chartered plane, however the Department of Foreign Affairs says they are now waiting for permission to fly into Peru's airspace.
Speaking to RedFM News from Peru in the last few hours, Andrew Cotter says getting home now is their number one focus.
"We are very concerned with regards to the news of the passing of a tourist.
"We are very scared also with regard the potential confinement of a military lockdown for three months.
"This would be 23 hours a day in your room if it was to occur to us.
"We're hoping our hostel won't have the same issue, we have some very good measures here with regard going in and out of the hostel, our hygiene etc.
"So we're hoping it doesn't happen to us."
